The Federal Government yesterday launched the new enhanced passport to reiterate its commitment to improving the passport application process for Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.
Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola gave this assurance at the rollout of the Enhanced e-Passport at the Nigerian High Commission in London, United Kingdom.
Aregbesola, who said the passport is the highest affirmation of Nigerian citizenship, noted that it is the responsibility of the government to provide the passport without any stress, within a reasonable period.
“What we have come to do here is symbolic of the core mandate of the Ministry of Interior and indeed, the Federal Government of Nigeria – affirmation of citizenship integrity.
“The Nigerian passport is the highest affirmation of Nigerian citizenship. It is, therefore, our responsibility to provide the passport without any stress, within a reasonable period.”
Disclosing the details of the new enhanced passport, Aregbesola showed that it is a huge improvement from the standard passport that was introduced in 2007. With more intricate security features, he said the passport is one of the most secured passports in the world.
Acting Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Isa Jere, added that his officers are ready to roll out the new passports at the official rate published on the NIS website.
